Norse mythology refers to the mythology and religion of the Norse (also called Vikings) and Germanic peoples, which existed before their conversion to Christianity. The myths are vibrant, intriguing and unique, showcasing the beliefs and ideals of the people who believed in them.
Norse mythology is full of interesting and complex figures, such as Odin, Loki, Thor, Freya and Frigg. It can be harsh and sordid, often even fatalistic, representing the worldview of the Norse people and the harsh environment they lived in.
As Neil Gaiman so aptly puts it, “The Norse myths are the myths of a chilly place, with long, long winter nights and endless summer days, myths of a people who did not entirely trust or even like their gods, although they respected and feared them.”
Our series on Norse mythology covers all the main characters, creatures and events, highlighting the importance of the stories and their symbolism and relevance today.
The nine worlds of Norse mythology are full of bizarre mythical creatures such as giants, dwarves, elves, norns and the Kraken. While Norse mythology is predominantly about the Norse gods, these ...
The Valknut is a recognizable yet somewhat enigmatic symbol. This ancient Norse and Germanic sign goes so far back that archeologists and historians don’t even know its original name, as Valknut ...
The Vegvisir (pronounced VEGG-vee-seer) is an ancient Norse symbol that is believed to provide safety for those who are embarking on a long voyage. The Vegvisir is believed to have originated in ...
The Norse and the broader Scandinavian runes are as fascinating as they are confusing. Some of the more confusing runes are the hammer-shaped or reverse cross runes people wear even to this day. ...
The legendary Norse shieldmaiden Lagertha is one of the strongest and most prominent examples of historical warrior women. Yet, the question persists - was Lagertha a real person or just a myth? ...
Odin, the Allfather of Norse mythology, once impaled his own heart with the mighty Gungnir spear and hung from the World Tree Yggdrasil for nine days and nights to gain knowledge of the ancient ...
Ask and Embla are the first humans created by the gods, according to Norse mythology. As the legend goes, all people today are their descendants and humankind has ruled Midgard (Earth) from the ...
Krampus is a strange mythological being with rather unique looks and symbolism. Half-goat and half-demon, this terrifying being has mysterious origins that may come from several different ancient ...
Sleipnir is the most legendary horse in Norse mythology and arguably one of the most famous horses throughout all of the world’s religions. With eight powerful legs, a fascinating and funny ...
Jotunheim, or Jötunheimr, is one of the Nine Realms in Norse mythology and an antithesis to the divine realm of Asgard. Unlike the orderly and gorgeous realm of the Aesir gods, Jotunheim is a ...
Ragnar Lodbrok is simultaneously one of the most famous Viking heroes and a person so shrouded in mystery that historians are still not sure who he was. A hero of Scandinavia, a scourge to both ...
The Norse languages are full of hundreds of fascinating symbols, many of which we still don’t fully understand today. One such curious example is the Icelandic stave (i.e. a magic sigil, rune, ...
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